I am so glad to have read this book. Signs of Life surprised me, not because I didn't expect it to be good, but I didn't anticipate it speaking to the truths of my own faith walk in such a deep way. Our stories are different, but the way God works in our lives was written so honestly that I related on a heart-level. There was a time in my life where I could hold on to nothing else but the promise that Jesus is about redemption and if He was real then I would see new life. The promise did not fail me, and this book speaks to that beautiful truth over and over again. It is a must-read!

Stephanie weaves re-told stories of Biblical characters facing seeming dead ends with her own accounts of finding new life in frustrating circumstances. Her tales are tangible reminders of hope and the ways an age-old God meets humanity in ever day life, faithful as always.

Wow. What a beautifully written book by a beautifully creative friend. The imagery is vivid, creating pictures that communicate theological truths that feel real enough to touch. The stories are poignant, stirring a deep well of emotions and memories. The truth of Jesus is presented in a way that is not only understandable but so incredibly beautiful. Lobdell writes in awe of the love and grace of God, infusing every word with her passion and devotion to the Maker. Signs of Life has left me renewed, reminding me that there can be no resurrection without death, no healing without pain, and that God works all things for the good for those who love Him. I cannot recommend this book enough.

There is hope to be found, especially in the most human experiences. You need to read this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Incredible. Awe-inspiring.
Lobdell, through evocative imagery of her own self-revelations and “ordinary losses”, uncovers what I believe are the incredibly similar losses plaguing many in today’s fast-paced, instant gratification culture. With regard to these ordinary losses, clear guidance and navigational instruction is sometimes lacking. Yet in this examination, Lobdell shines through her own elucidations forged in stories of personal growth paralleled with stories of individuals from The Bible.
Although the back-and-forth from her life to stories in The Bible seemed tangential at first, by the time readers finish devouring this text they will be begging for more. Through these parallels we are reminded that God is a God of resurrection; He has plans for everything, including what we experience as loss.

What an interesting premise for a book! I've never seen anyone write on this topic in this way, and found it to be very interesting. While I don't personally agree with everything within the book, I'm glad that I read it and appreciate the stories Stephanie chose to share. If this portion of the book description resonates with you, or if you're currently experiencing loss and are desperate for hope (or signs of life), this is one you might want to pick up.

"Every day we lose a little bit of something. Career plans wither. Friendships crumble. Our zeal for Jesus wanes. Whether it's the demise of ideals and expectations, belief in the church, a previously healthy relationship, or our image of ourselves: we all experiences losses.

So does the God of the resurrection have anything to say to our hurts? Was Christ's resurrection a once-and-done thing, or is there hope for healing and restoration now?"

This book was comforting to me. I would recommend it to anyone struggling with how to deal with the losses of life, the overwhelm you feel when nothing seems like it will be okay again.